Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Description: Maytag Corp. Recall of Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2005 Release #05-156 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 250-6075 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Note: There is subsequent press release regarding the firm being fined for failing to report the sale of the previously recalled vacuum cleaners. CPSC, Maytag Corp. Announce Recall of Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners Units: About 636,000 Manufacturer: Hoover Co., of North Canton, Ohio. Hoover Co. is part of the Maytag Corp. Hazard: The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can overheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in a fire hazard. Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 249 reports of vacuums overheating, which caused the handle area to smoke, melt or catch fire. One minor burn injury requiring no medical attention was reported. Description: Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners are plastic, upright vacuums with the brand name "Hoover" and words "Self Propelled" printed on the front of the product. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the back of the vacuum. The following model numbers are included in the recall: U6423-900 U6425-900 U6425-950 U6445-900 U6445-960 U6449-900 U6450-900 U6451-900 U6455-900 Only those Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners manufactured between May 1998 and November 1999 are included in this recall. The recalled models include serial numbers 0598xxxxxxxx through 1199xxxxxxxx, with the first four digits of the serial number indicating the month and year of production (e.g., 0598xxxxxxxx is May 1998). Sold at: Household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide from May 1998 through July 2000 for between $259 and $279. Manufactured in: U.S. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover repair center to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not return their vacuum cleaners to retailers. Consumer Contact: Call Maytag Corp. toll-free at (800) 250-6075 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms' Web sites at www.maytag.com or www.hoover.com Full View Back Label View [Learn More]